Mexico's Gold Cup Victory Sets Stage for Explosive 2026 World Cup Campaign
Mexico triumphed over the USMNT with a 2-1 victory in the Gold Cup final, securing consecutive championships in Concacaf's premier international tournament.
El Tri mounted a comeback after Chris Richards put the USMNT ahead early in the match. Raúl Jiménez netted a spectacular equalizer to level the score before halftime, and captain Edson Álvarez sealed the victory with the decisive goal as the match approached extra time.
Javier Aguirre's team upheld their traditional dominance as North America's leading football nation. After capturing the Concacaf Nations League crown earlier this year, El Tri's triumph over the United States in an official fixture for the first time in six years to claim the Gold Cup solidifies their return to regional supremacy.
With Mexico's 2026 World Cup campaign set to begin at the Estadio Azteca in less than twelve months, there's substantial foundation to build upon from what has undeniably been an impressive 2025 campaign.
Here are three key observations from Mexico's Gold Cup championship.
Raul Jimenez Is El Tri's System
It's not an overstatement to declare that Jiménez is experiencing one of the most exceptional periods of form by any striker in El Tri's storied history.
Many believed Jiménez's prime years were in the past, but since Javier Aguirre assumed managerial duties following the 2024 Copa America, the Fulham forward has evolved into not just Mexico's standout performer, but essentially a complete attacking framework.
Jiménez participates in every facet of Mexico's offensive play. He regularly retreats to assist in possession building, and his passing vision has flourished during this stage of his career. Teammates consistently seek combinations with the Fulham striker, and he invariably makes intelligent choices.
Within the penalty area, Jiménez has rediscovered his most dangerous form. Mexico's leveling goal exemplifies the type of clinical finisher he represents—a powerful weak-foot shot executed on the turn, utterly unstoppable.
Aguirre and El Tri have cultivated a certain reliance on Jiménez. Mexico will hope the 34-year-old striker maintains his excellent form throughout 2025-26, as currently, Jiménez represents the guaranteed starter for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Mexico Could Field a Very Strong Midfield in the World Cup
The sole significant setback during Mexico's 2025 Gold Cup campaign was Luis Chávez suffering an ACL rupture. While this injury represents a devastating loss, Chávez's absence also revealed the tournament's most pleasant surprise for Mexico.
Hardly anyone anticipated that 16-year-old Gilberto Mora would assume a crucial role during the Gold Cup, yet the youngster rose to the occasion following Chávez's injury and featured in all three knockout stage matches. Mora demonstrated his capabilities, displaying composure with possession throughout each game and orchestrating play from the middle of the park. In his debut competitive appearances for El Tri, Mora established that he possesses the necessary attributes to excel at international level.
Marcel Ruiz has impressed for Toluca in Liga MX throughout the previous year, generating numerous appeals for Aguirre to include him in the national squad. During the Gold Cup, he received his chance and maximized it. The dynamic midfielder proved vital to Mexico's achievements, securing a starting position alongside Álvarez.
The development of Mora and Ruíz this summer represents excellent news for El Tri. With 19-year-old Pachuca midfielder Elías Montiel also developing into an outstanding prospect, Mexico now possesses numerous alternatives and could potentially deploy a formidable midfield during next summer's World Cup.
Doubts Between the Sticks
Luis Malagón recorded four shutouts and claimed the Gold Cup Golden Glove honor. Nevertheless, he experienced several uncertain moments and was fortunate not to allow additional goals.
The Club América shot-stopper has assumed the primary role from longtime number one Guillermo Ochoa. However, his performance has declined since the beginning of the year and appears to be battling confidence issues, particularly when required to leave his line to claim aerial balls.
The problem is that, unlike throughout most of the past century, Aguirre lacks viable goalkeeping alternatives. Ochoa relinquished his starting position after subpar displays, and the World Cup legend will celebrate his 40th birthday next week. Raúl Rangel serves as Mexico's third choice, but during his latest outing he appeared extremely nervous and committed basic errors that helped Switzerland score four times in a June friendly.
This remains Malagón's position going forward, not necessarily due to his performances but because of the absence of a suitable successor. Malagón has twelve months to regain his best form, or the goalkeeper situation could become Mexico's weakness next summer.